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I have heard that "Jin" (sinews/tendons) refers to strength. It is the strength within the flesh, the origin of Qi (vital energy). It firmly secures the physical form. Its manifestations are observed in the eyes, its governing organ is the Liver, the knee is its residence, and the nails are its extension.

Differentiated by location, the sinews of the hand run along the hands, and the sinews of the foot run along the feet. The Yangming sinews run anteriorly, the Taiyang sinews run posteriorly, and the Shaoyang sinews run laterally. Yin sinews run along the Yin aspects of the body, and Yang sinews run along the Yang aspects of the body. All follow the meridians and can be distinguished according to them. A detailed examination of the *Jingjin* (Sinews) chapter reveals that the Yin and Yang sinews of the hand all originate from the fingers. Yang sinews ascend from the hands to the head and face, while Yin sinews ascend from the hands to the chest and abdomen. Similarly, the Yin and Yang sinews of the foot all originate from the toes. Yang sinews ascend from the feet to the head and face, while Yin sinews ascend from the feet to the chest and abdomen.

When pathology occurs, symptoms manifest at the sites traversed by these sinews, presenting as spasms (Zhuanjin) and support-related pain. Treatment employs burning needle puncture (Fanzhen Jiesi), where the frequency is determined by when the condition improves, and the painful point serves as the acupoint. Generally, burning needles are used to treat Cold syndromes, while non-burning needles are used to treat Heat syndromes. In diagnostic observation: Cold syndromes present with tendon contraction and opisthotonos; Heat syndromes present with flaccidity and inability to retain tension. For Yang sinews, this manifests as an inability to flex forward; for Yin sinews, an inability to extend backward. If affected at the knees, walking becomes difficult due to limited flexion and extension; if affecting the body generally, lateral movement becomes difficult.

If the sinews are damaged, they become lax and unable to maintain posture. If Bi syndrome obstructs the sinews, they become contracted, preventing walking. If sinew exhaustion injures the Liver, the waist and back pull against each other, making flexion and extension difficult. If sinews die and the Liver fails, the tongue and genitals curl and shrink, unable to extend. Conditions such as Jing (spasm), Xian (epilepsy), convulsions, Tuihan (scrotal swelling), Yin diseases, twisting pain, swelling, and deviation of the mouth and eyes can all be identified by location as disorders of specific meridian sinews.

Regarding visual diagnosis of sinews, conditions involving swelling with visible sinew protrusion and the "sinew twitching" (Jinti) mentioned in Shanghan (Cold Damage) texts are notable. In swelling, if the area appears cyanotic, distended, and elevated, it is considered incurable; thus, if these signs are absent, it remains treatable. In Shanghan, sinew twitching is caused by excessive sweating leading to the loss of Yang; therefore, treatment with methods to warm the meridians and benefit Yang should be effective.

As for "Jinliu" (sinew lipoma/sluggishness), it refers to a state before illness where sinews are bent and cannot straighten, with pathogenic factors lodged within without returning. If "Zhenjin" (visible sinew rash) occurs, characterized by a rapid pulse at the Cun position on the radial artery, urgent sinews becoming visible, and abdominal tightness, especially if accompanied by white or black facial complexions, the disease is severe. These two conditions can also be diagnosed through observing the sinews. Other conditions such as sinew laxity, urgency, contraction, and flaccidity may be visible or invisible. However, by examining the clinical presentation and palpating the locations, one can determine which meridian's sinews are affected. Thus, by integrating observation, pulse verification, and visual assessment, the essentials of meridian sinew diseases can be understood.